Redbird Smith offers country living near lake
With its forested acres and natural surroundings, the Oklahoma enclave of Redbird Smith offers homebuyers a sense of seclusion. The community is split into what Angela Thornton, broker and founder of Tenkiller Lake and Land, calls “full-timers,” people who live in the area year-round, and “lake-timers,” those who have a summer home because Lake Tenkiller is about 9 miles away. “If they’re moving here for full-time purposes, they’re moving here for the beauty of our area,” says Thornton. “If they’re moving here for secondary purposes – which is not uncommon – they’re moving here for recreation.” The closest towns, Vian and Gore, are less than 10 miles away.
Acres of land offer privacy
Oak and hickory trees are part of the dense forest that surrounds the community's homes. Most residences sit on at least 5 acres of land, leaving ample room for people to have livestock or start a garden or small farm. Many properties are manufactured homes, with prices between $75,000 and $150,000. Other houses, including farmhouses and cabins, are rarely for sale. Those that do come on the market typically range from $150,000 to $350,000. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a relatively high risk of extreme heat and a relatively moderate risk of wildfires. Most standard home insurance policies cover fire damage.
Waterfront fun at Tenkiller Lake
Lake Tenkiller is about 13,000 acres of sparkling water. “There are other lakes in Oklahoma, but we’re probably the clearest and the one most designed for families,” Thorton says. Boats are often seen out on the water, either sailing or powerboating. Several marinas along the shore, like Strayhorn Marina, rent out pontoons or ski boats for anyone who doesn't have their own. Anglers can find largemouth and spotted bass throughout the year. The only activity not allowed is parasailing. Tenkiller State Park sits on the southern side of the lake, with beaches where swimmers and divers can access the water. There are designated camping areas for tents, cabins and RVs. Hikers can explore the miles of trails along the shore. Gum Springs Trail is an advanced hike offering views of bluffs and forest. The Tenkiller Multi-Use Trail is a paved, 1-mile-long path that winds through most of the park’s amenities, including a swimming pool, playground and the Driftwood Nature Center. The Illinois River borders part of Redbird Smith. At the Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, common game species include bobwhite quail and deer. Hunters are required to use archery equipment or shotguns with pellets.
Events at Lake Tenkiller and holiday cheer
Tenkiller Lake is a hub of activity in summer, from boat races to Fourth of July fireworks. July's Tenkiller Lake Poker Run, hosted by Northeastern State University’s chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, is an annual highlight. Players travel by boat from marina to marina, picking up a playing card at every stop. The team with the best hand at the end of the day wins. Every holiday season, residents of Redbird Smith make the trek to Vian for Downtown in December. Horse-drawn carriage rides through Downtown take people past storefronts adorned with wreaths and twinkling lights. Carolers sing while folks roast marshmallows and visit Santa. “It looks like a Hallmark movie,” Thornton says.
Students attend schools in Gore or Vian districts
Redbird Smith is split between two school districts: Gore Public Schools and Vian Public Schools. Gore Elementary earns a B-plus from Niche, while Gore Upper Elementary gets a B. Gore High School receives a B-minus. Throughout the school year, high school students are given the opportunity to build skills outside of the classroom, such as changing a flat tire or completing a job application, on FAST (Focused on Achieving Success Today) Fridays. Families zoned for Vian start at Vian Elementary before attending Vian Middle; both score a C-plus. The B-minus-rated Vian High School has a robust athletic department, including a cheer team that has competed in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association State Championship several times, most recently in 2024.
Major highways in Vian
Because Redbird Smith is so secluded, cars are necessary for getting around. Connections to major highways like Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 64 are about 7 miles away, in Vian. Fort Smith, across the state border in Arkansas, is about 40 miles away via I-40. The closest hospital is Northeastern Health System Sequoyah in Sallisaw, about 19 miles away. Fort Smith Regional Airport, about 45 miles away, has daily flights to Dallas. Most people will fly out of Tulsa International Airport, about an 80-mile drive.
Residents travel for shopping and dining
When residents want to visit a restaurant or go shopping, they know they will have to do a bit of driving. Big Daddy’s is near the lake, about 9 miles away and is best known for its barbecue and Southern comfort food. During the high season – between Memorial Day and Labor Day – it's open seven days a week. There are reduced hours for the rest of the year. More options, like the Tex-Mex eatery Rustic Cantina, are in Vian, about 7 miles away. They can also do their grocery shopping at the Harps Food Store in Vian, or pick up items at the Dollar General about 6 miles north of Redbird Smith. The closest Walmart is in Sallisaw, about 18 miles away.
